Schools in East African countries are set to be transformed into model green schools following the pilot project aimed at teaching environmental management to schools. This follows the joint venture between Panasonic Marketing Middle East and Africa and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) under Lake Victoria Catchment Environment Education Program. Under the program, three schools, one from Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya in particular will be developed into a green model school, where students will be encouraged to develop green ideas, be environmentally responsible and take action to protect the planet. Seiji Konayagi, the Managing Director of Panasonic Middle East and Africa told East African Business Week in Dar es Salaam that Panasonic's joint project with the WWF is designed to empower and help catchment communities, schools and regional partners to develop the knowledge to better sustain and manage natural resources. He said “Through this project, we aim to be environmentally conscious and instill a sense of ecological responsibility in our youth by training them to be proactive in protecting their world for the sake of their future,” “Panasonic will work with WWF to realize eco-projects like Lake Victoria Environmental Educational Program and initiatives like Eco Diary to promote a better understanding of the environment for African students,” said Konayagi Lake Victoria Environmental Education Program has been designed to empower catchment communities, schools and regional partners with knowledge, motivation and abilities for sustainable use and management of natural resources. Stephen Mariki, the WWF Country Director said that the project entails working with community-based organizations and selected schools in Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya and through the Panasonic-WWF partnership, the three East African States touted a program that would cut emissions stemming from deforestation around Lake Victoria as a potential money-spinner. He said “through this project, we aim to be environmental mindful and infuse a sense of ecological responsibility in our youth by training them to be down to business in protecting their world for the sake of their future generations.” Kimuyo Mugo , Communication Manager of WWF Eastern and Southern Africa Region Program Office (ESAPRO), said that Panasonic will provide the required equipment and other facilities to WWF so as to ensure the smooth running of the green revolution in the region. In a line to ensure Environment protection in Africa, Panasonic and WWF also announced a special contest during Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (DITF) whereby children aged six to 15-years-old will learn various programs on environment protection. The competition named “Eco Picture Diary” will be on going program throughout the Middle East and Africa, allowing children to submit pictures documenting eco-activities they carried out in an effort to protect the environment. “We will pursue tie initiatives based on introducing and expanding a range of superior green technology products to the existing range of eco-products and spreading environmental awareness through education and supporting causes related activities,” said Konayagi. Speaking with the East African Business Week in Dar es Salaam, Balbir Sharma, Panasonic Sales manager for African Region said that Panasonic is currently working towards becoming the number one green innovation company in the electronics industry in the Middle East and Africa, in line with the Panasonic Eco Ideas Declaration. “As a global leader in the electronics industry, it is our duty to ensure a sustainable future and Panasonic has made a commitment to drive eco-innovation by 2018, when the company will be celebrating its 100th birthday,” added Sharma. BM
